Sen. McLachlan Pleased Overseas Military Ballot Measure Advances

Sen. Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) today applauded the state senate for moving forward on a bill he is co-sponsoring which will allow military personnel overseas easier access to the ballot box.

“A survey conducted in conjunction with the Connecticut Military Department found that nearly 40 percent of ballots that soldiers said they submitted never arrived to elections offices,” Sen. McLachlan said. “That’s a stunning statistic, and we need to do something about it. These men and women are fighting for us overseas. They put their lives on the line every day in the name of freedom. The least we can do is to make certain that their votes are counted.”

The state senate on May 23 unanimously passed a bill which would require that the Secretary of the State, in consultation with the Military Department, select a method for use in any election or primary held after September 1, 2014, for military personnel overseas to return their ballots. By January 1, 2014, the Secretary of State will issue a report, describing a recommended method and any legislative changes necessary for its implementation.

“As we approach Memorial Day weekend, it is fitting that Republicans and Democrats have come together to craft a solution to our overseas military voting problem,” Sen. McLachlan said. “This legislation is a way for us to honor our military servicemembers while making corrections to a flawed system. I look forward to it becoming law.”

The bill now heads to the state House of Representatives.